Sterling Vineyards 2016 Vintner's Collection Merlot - 85pts

Sterling Vineyards 2016 Vintner's Collection Merlot - California State

Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 12th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A juicy, ripe Merlot with blackberry, black plum and sweet cassis aromas and flavours with nothing really out-of-sorts, yet, disappointingly structured rather Apothic-y with too much RS and too little depth and length. There are better budget Merlots out there. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Charles Smith Wines 2016 The Velvet Devil - 86pts

Charles Smith Wines 2016 The Velvet Devil - Washington State

Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $16.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 11th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Opens with a warm embrace of uber-ripe blackberry and red currant fruit on the sensual nose and the slightly off-dry, slightly bright palate. Toasted oak notes support the juicy mid-palate, but disappear on the short finish. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Peachy Canyon 2015 Westside Zinfandel - 90pts

Peachy Canyon 2015 Westside Zinfandel (Paso Robles) California - USA

Availability: Costco
Cost: $15-18 + taxes USD
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: Big and fruity with more American V8, straight-forward power than finesse, this blend of 77% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Syrah, 7% Primitivo and 6% Alicante Pouschet is effortless to enjoy with juicy, black cherry and pruny, spiced plum fruit supported nicely by sweet peppercorn, minerals, oak and smoky anise aromas and flavours. The finish is long and spicy with mint and licorice lingering through to the next sip. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay - 89pts

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay (Sonoma County) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $22.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 10th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Though only 60% barrel fermented for 6 months, there is plenty of oak and malolactic fermentation influence at work in this blend of Chardonnay from numerous Sonoma County vineyards. Sweet nut and buttery notes grace the apple, pear and baked citrus scented nose with a lengthy, round'yet'vivacious palate following with similar flavours and slightly sharp, citrus peel acidity. Lees and spice linger with citrus notes on the finish. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay - 89pts

Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards 2013 Chardonnay (Sonoma County) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99 + tax
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 11th, 2015

Tasting Notes: Though, a haze of smoky, toasted oak and caramel aromas hits your nose first and suggests a heavy, viscous wine is on its way, this Chardonnay is surprisingly only medium-bodied and well balanced with orchard fruit leading the way on the palate. A touch of ripe pear sweetness and lemon-lime acidity linger on the long, spicy finish. A refreshing, well-rounded, food-friendly Chardonnay. Drink now-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Seghesio Family Vineyards 2011 Sonoma Zinfandel - 89pts

Seghesio Family Vineyards 2011 Sononma Zinfandel (Sonoma County) California - USA

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $26-30
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This dark-ruby hued Zinfandel is a blend of multiple Sonoma County vineyards that makes a great entry-level wine into the world of premium Zins that lives beyond the realm of the ultra-jammy fruit bombs populated by the mass-produced "branded" wines. Intense, yet, layered with spicy dark plum, ripe cherry and light citrus aromas above present, yet, restrained oak-influenced notes. A similar palate follows offering great concentration, but never seeks to overwhelm, with mixed-berry and plum fruit flavours supported by moderate tannins and vibrant acidity - an all-round, well-balanced and tasty Zin. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Paul Hobbs Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - 92-93pts

Paul Hobbs Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California - USA

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $109.99
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: The blend changes slightly year-to-year, but the final product consistently delivers the uber-concentration and refinement we love in top-end Napa Valley Cabernets. The 2010 vintage sees 6% Cabernet Franc added which contributes light floral notes to the gorgeous nose and creates an overall more feminine profile. Mint & licorice flavours add depth to the layers of cassis and blackberry fruit supported by powerful, yet, fine tannins. Drinking well now, with proper decanting, but should develop further with patient cellaring. Drink now-2020+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Flora Springs Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - 91pts

Flora Springs Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California - USA

Availability: Private wine stores
Cost: $25-45
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: January 8th, 2010

Tasting Notes: An intense, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon blend of Rutherford and Oakville fruit offering potpourri of dark berries, licorice, vanilla, oak and dried fruit aromas. Followed by a palate that starts juicy and audacious then finishes dry and savoury with lingering fruit and herbs. By 2011, the wine has really come of age with mellowed tannins and acidity. Drink 2011-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca